From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 9 June 1777
To Major General Israel Putnam
Head Quarters Middle Brook 9th June 1777
Dear Sir
Inclos’d is a Letter for Colo. Sheldon which I desire you’ll forward immediately to him by express, as it contains orders for him to send on his Horse1 If any of them have arriv’d at Peeks kill, be pleas’d to send them on to this place as quick as possible One Troop will be left at Peeks kill, but that must be one of the last, for the Horse that are here you know have been upon hard duty all the Winter and are almost worn out. I expect the Enemy will move suddenly and without Horse we shall be much at a loss. I am Dear Sir Your most Obet Servt
G. W——n
Copy, in Richard Kidder Meade’s writing, DLC:GW; Varick transcript, DLC:GW.
1. GW on this date wrote Col. Elisha Sheldon: “The Campaign is upon the Point of opening in this Province & the Virginia regt of Light Horse have been so worn down by hard service that except they are reliev’d of part of their Duty they will be totally unfit for service of any kind. I therefore desire that you will send on ev’ry man of your Regt that is cloathed & Mounted and that have had the small Pox. If they are not all compleatly Arm’d an Officer may be left behind to bring them on, as quick as possible. Many duties may be perform’d as well without Arms as with them. One Troop is to be left at Peekskill, but that may be one of the last; If any are there already they must come on immediately. I expect your immediate compliance with this order” (copy, in Richard Kidder Meade’s writing, DLC:GW).